Background & Objective: Sleep quality in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) were investigated in two recent studies. However, factors affecting sleep quality have not been studied in NMOSD. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sleep disorders in Chinese outpatient clinics with NMOSD and its clinical correlates. Methods: We administered Chinese validated self-questionnaires on HRQOL (MSQOL-54), sleep (PSQI), pain (SF-MPQ-2), anxiety (HARS) and depression (HDRS) to 42 patients followed up in our outpatient department. We assessed the relationships between sleep quality with pain, anxiety, depression, gender, age, disability, disease duration, NMO-antibody status and explored the determinants of poor sleep quality. Results: Sixty four percent of NMOSD patients were poor sleepers. Significant correlations were found between duration, disability, pain, anxiety, depression and sleep quality. Disability, depression and the domain of affective descriptors of pain were the three main predictors of poor sleep in NMOSD. Conclusion: This study reveals that poor sleep in NMOSD is common and it decreases physical function of quality of life. It is worthwhile considering exploring adjuvant strategies aimed at controlling pain associated affect, and treatment of depression may help to improve sleep quality in NMOSD.
Neuromyelitis Optica

Objective To investigate the reproductive endocrine status of women with epilepsy at childbearing age and to systematically analyze the clinical features of reproductive endocrine disorders,especially polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS),to facilitate early detection and timely intervention.Methods In this study,scoring of anthropometry and physical signs,menstrul assessment,examination of sex hormone and pelvic ultrasound in women with epilepsy at childbearing age were performed,and the data such as overweight,central obesity,oligo/amenorrhea,luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicule-stimulating hormone (FSH),hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary (PCO) were collected. The characteristics of their reproductive endocrine hormone disorders were analyzed statistically. Results The age of these patients was (22. 5 ± 7.0 ) years,and women younger than 30 years old and at their peak fertility accounted for 84. 89%. The prevalence rate of PCOS in women with epilepsy at childbearing age (12. 75% ) was significantly higher than that of ordinary women at childbearing age (7.2%) in China.Highly specific indicators for PCOS were hyperandrogenism (100%),LH/FSH ＞ 2 (93%) and oligo/amenorrhea (90%),whilst the highly sensitive indicators for PCOS were PCO (92%), oligo/amenorrhea (85%) and hyperandrogenism (54%). This study revealed statistically significant difference in LH,LH/FSH and testosterone (T) between PCOS group (LH: (10.24 ± 6.92) IU/L; LH/FSH;(2.20 ± 1.16);T: ( 1.07 ± 0. 35) ng/ml) and non-PCOS group ( LH: (4. 16 ± 2.62 ) IU/L; LH/FSH:( 0. 87 ± 0. 56 );T: (0. 46 ±0. 25) ng/ml,t = -3. 899,-4. 240 and -4. 918 respectively,all P ＜0. 01 ). Conclusions Hormone indices are objective indicators for the diagnosis of PCOS. In clinical practice,attention should be paid to height,weight,abodominal circumference,menstrul history and ultrasound examination of the ovary in women with epilepsy.When reproductive endocrine hormone disorders are suspected from clinical features,the sex hormones (T,LH,and FSH ) should be checked to allow timely detection and early interventions.

Objective To discuss function of the fusion cells of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and human myeloma cell RPMI 8226 in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma bone disease.Methods The cells,labeled by cell tracer green fluorescent probe (CMFDA) and red fluorescent probe (CMTMR),respectively,were induced into fusion by chemical polyethylene glycol (polyethyleneglycol,PEG-1000),and cell fusion model was set up.Whether fusion cells had nucleus fusion was determined by Karyotype analysis.The expressions of stemness-related genes,SIRP α gene and DC-STAMP gene in fusion cells were identified.Results Polyethylene glycol (PEG-1000) could mediate the integration of BMSCs and RPMI 8226 cells.The number of chromosomes in more than 80 ％ the hybrid cells was about 80.Fusion cells not only showed that BMSCs,stemness-related genes of c-myc,Klf-4 and OCT-4 genes expressed positively,but also the fusion-related genes SIRPα and DC-STAMP expressed positively.Conclusion BMSCs and RPMI 8226 cells can form fusion cells,and the cells have the potential for further integration,which is one of the important reasons for the promotion of muhiple myeloma bone destruction.

Objective In order to evaluate that whether Pluronic P85 coated poly(butylcyanoacrylate) nanoparti-cles was able to deliver antiepileptic drug phenytoin into the brain va bypassing mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE)-induced Pgp in a rat model of MTLE. Methods The rat model of MTLE, induced by li-pilocarpine, was divided in-to two groups (6 for nanoparticle drug group and 7 for PHT drug group). Immunohistochemistry assay was performed to detect Pgp expression at the hippocampus. Nanoparticles were prepared by interfacial polymerization method. Dialysate samples of brain were collected at 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 min after drug administration by microdialysis tech-nology. Samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The area under the curve (AUC) ratio of brain/plasma in Nanoparticle drug group was 0.370.10 which was significantly higher compared with 0.190.06 in conventional PHT drug group (P<0.05). The Pgp immunopositive area, as assessed by analysis of labeled surface area, was higher in the DG, CA3 and CA1 sector in the hippocampus of MTLE rats when compared to the normal rats. Conclusions Pluronic P85 coated PBCA nanoparticles can significantly deliver PHT into brain via bypassing MTLE-induced Pgp in a rat model of MTLE.

Meridians in human body were classified as white meridian and black meridian according to Tibetan medicine.Season and environment,improper diet,toxic heat and trauma were recognized as main reasons damaging the white meridian in Tibetan Medicine,leading to the emerge of white meridian disease induced by Long (one of the three factors) and blood disorder.White meridian disease in Tibetan medicine involved a series diseases,such as many clinical diseases,due to the damage of white meridian system caused by pathogenic factors.Stroke also belonged to white meridian disease.Drugs and treatments were selected based on the nature of disease such as cold and heat,onset,thelocation of disease and the three factors (Chi Ba,Long and Pei Gen).It was the fundamental principle of the treatment rules of white meridian disease in Tibetan medicine,namely,prescribing medication with the rule of diagnosis and treatment,comprehensive analysis of the causes of diseases and mastering the change law of diseases and syndromes in clinic.

Objective To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9),tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) and the possible signalling pathways in human amniotic cells WISH.Methods The WISH cell line was cultured.WISH cells were added with TGF-β1 of different concentrations (0,2,10 and 20 ng/ml,respectively) for 24 hours.Then,reverse transcription (RT) PCR and western blotting were used to analyze the protein and mRNA expression of TIMP-1 and MMP-9; and the expression of NF-κB was analyzed by western blot.Results (1) The profile of TIMP-1 mRNA (0.413 ±0.036,0.623 ±0.058,1.392 ±0.124,1.387 ±0.102) in WISH cells elevated when the concentration of TGF-β1 increased (0,2,10,20 ng/ml).In accordance with TIMP-1 mRNA,the expression of TIMP-1 also elevated with the increase of TGF-β1 (0.357 ± 0.031,0.596 ± 0.048,1.243 ± 0.097 and 1.359 ± 0.121,respectively).And when 2,10 or 20 ng/ml of TGF-β1 was added,the TIMP-1 mRNA and protein were significantly higher than the TIMP-1 mRNA and protein when no TGF-β1 was added(P ＜ 0.05).(2)In contrast with TIMP-1,MMP-9 mRNA (1.325 ±0.056,0.987 ±0.081,0.610 ±0.034,0.347 ±0.023) in WISH cells decreased when the concentration of TGF-β1 increased (0,2,10,20 ng/ml).The MMP-9 protein (1.119 ±0.064,1.008 ±0.052,0.578 ±0.041,0.401 ±0.015) also decreased with the increase of TGF-β1.And when 2,10 or 20 ng/ml of TGF-β1 was added,the MMP-9 mRNA and protein were significantly lower than the MMP-9 mRNA and protein when no TGF-β1 was added (P ＜ 0.05).(3) The NF-κB protein (1.423 ±0.065,1.116 ± 0.045,0.796 ± 0.041,0.359 ± 0.021) was significandy reduced with the increase of TGF-β1 (0,2,10,20 ng/ml; P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions The mRNA and protein expression of TIMP-1 decreased when TGF-β1 was low in WISH cells,whereas those of MMP-9 elevated when TGF-β1 was low.The unbalance of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 was related to the pathology of the premature rupture of membrane.And the NF-κB singalling pathway might be an important mechanism in the regulation of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 system.

To investigate the effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) on the plasma concentrations of valproic acid (VPA) and its toxic metabolite 2-propyl-4-pentenoic acid (4-ene VPA) in epileptic patients, the plasma concentrations of VPA and 4-ene VPA were determined, and the effect of CBZ on pharmacokinetics of VPA was evaluated. All patients had been divided into two groups (VPA group, n = 87; and VPA+CBZ group, n = 19). As compared to VPA group, the combination of CBZ significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the trough concentration of VPA [VPA group, (69.5 +/- 28.8) microg x mL(-1); VPA+CBZ group, (46.3 +/- 25.6) microg x mL(-1)] and does-adjusted VPA trough concentration [VPA group, (4.89 +/- 2.21) microg x mL(-1) x mg(-1) x kg(-1); VPA+CBZ group, (3.14 +/- 1.74) microg x mL(-1) x mg(-1) x kg(-1)]. However, the addition of CBZ did not influence the concentration of 4-ene VPA. The present study revealed that coadministration of CBZ can reduce VPA plasma concentration and may impact VPA clinical effect, therefore therapeutic drug mornitoring of VPA should be used when combined use of CBZ and VPA.

[Objective]This study was designed to identify the risk factors related with reproductive endocrinology disorder in Chinese women of child-bearing age with epilepsy.[Methods]The clinical data of 102 women with epilepsy were collected.The patient were grouped according to seven aspects(seizure onset age,seizure type,seizure frequency,duration of epilepsy,AED type,age of start AED therapy and duration of therapy)and the contribution of these factors in development of PCOS and its components were analyzed.[Results]The incidence of hyperandrogenemia in the patients with an early onset age(≤14 years old)was higher than the ones with an onset age＞14 years old.Onset age≤14 was the risk factor of hyperandrogenemia in logistic regression analysis.The incidence of a/oligomenorrhea,polycystic ovaries,hyperandrogenemia and PCOS in the valproate-treated women were 40.63%,50.00%,15.65%,and 34.38%,respectively,which were higher than the no-therapy group and nonvalproate treated group.Valproate therapy was the risk factor of PCOS and its components.[Conclusion]Valproate therapy was the risk factor of PCOS and its components in Chinese women of child-bearing age with epilepsy.Onset age≤14 was the risk factor of hyperandrogenemia.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a supplementary diagnostic indicator (infrared radiant intensity) in tongue diagnosis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands through correlation analysis of infrared radiant intensity between hyperplastic breast tissue and tongue surface. METHODS: Infrared radiant intensity of the hyperplastic breast tissue and different points on tongue surface in 20 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands with liver-energy stagnation and phlegm retention syndrome and 16 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands with irregular thoroughfare and conception vessels syndrome were measured with external infrared spectrometer PHE-201 made by Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics. Correlation of infrared radiant intensity between the hyperplastic breast tissue and the different points on tongue surface was assessed by using bivariate correlation analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the numbers of positive correlated wave bands of infrared radiant intensity between the hyperplastic breast tissue and different detected points on tongue surface in the patients with liver-energy stagnation and phlegm retention syndrome and irregular thoroughfare and conception vessels syndrome were 127 (83.55%) and 71 (46.71%), respectively. Infrared radiant intensity between the hyperplastic breast tissue and the tongue surface had a positive correlation. CONCLUSION: Infrared radiant intensity can be used as one of supplementary diagnostic indicators in TCM tongue diagnosis of hyperplasia of mammary glands.

Objective To investigate the sleep quality and influencing factors in patients with stable myasthenia gravis (MG).Methods From September 2015 to February 2017,151 cases of stable MG were enrolled in the department of neurology,West China Hospital,Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to evaluate their sleep quality;Spearman analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors (clinical data,quality of life,anxiety and depression).Results Spearman test analysis showed that PSQI was positively correlated with age,duration,myasthenia gravis quality of life 15 (MG-QOL15),Hamilton Anxiety Scale 14 (HAMA14),Hamilton Depression Scale 24 (HADA24) (P ＜ 0.05).Stepwise regressionanalysis further revealed that life quality was the best predictor of reduced sleep quality (t =3.161,P =0.002),followed by anxiety (t =2.495,P =0.014) and age (t =2.356,P =0.020).Conclusions There are many influencing factors of stable MG wnich more attentions should be paid on.